Questions To Ask During Your Cosmetic Dentist Clinic Consultation

You believe that a certain cosmetic dental procedure would be a good choice for you. Now it's a matter of talking with one of the cosmetic dentists around town and making a final decision. During consultation with the cosmetic dentist, feel free to ask questions that will help you decide what to do next. Here are some of the key questions that should be addressed during that visit.

What Sort of Certification and Training Does the Dentist Possess?

As with any type of dental work, you want to know that the dental professional has the skill and the proper credentials to take on your case. Most cosmetic dentists are more than happy to discuss their backgrounds in terms of education, certification, and training. When the dental professional you have in mind is willing to provide details rather than general assurances about being able to perform the procedure, that cosmetic dentist is worth talking to a little more.

Does the Dentist Stay Abreast of the Latest Innovations in Cosmetic Dental Methods?

While prior training is important, does the local cosmetic dentist you have in mind like to stay on top of the latest techniques and approaches to cosmetic dentistry in general? Specifically, does the dentist invest time in going to seminars and other training events to learn more about new equipment and procedures? When your dentist is a firm believer in continuing education, that’s a good sign the professional wants his or her patients to always have access to the latest approaches to cosmetic dentistry.

How Often Has the Dentist Performed the Procedure You Have in Mind?

Some Mississauga cosmetic dentists have a lot of experience with certain procedures, but not as much with others. Your goal is to find out how much practical experience the dentist has with the type of work you would like to have done. Ideally, the professional should be able to confirm that the procedure you have in mind is one that the clinic has performed regularly over the last several years. That’s a sign that the dentist knows what needs to be done, in what order, and how to proceed in a way that protects your well being.

What Approach Does the Dentist Use to Determine If You are a Good Candidate?

One thing that many people don’t realize about cosmetic dentistry is that it’s not an on-demand process. Before any reputable dentist will agree to any procedure, it’s necessary to qualify the patient first. You can rest assured that a reputable cosmetic dentist will perform a full dental exam and require a lot of information about your general health.

For example, the dentist will want to know every prescription medication and over the counter product you currently take. If you have a chronic health issue like diabetes, the dentist needs to know that as well. Any prior cosmetic work you’ve had done will also be taken into account.

The goal is to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. If so, that information will also help the dentist to come up with a list of things you should do before the day of the procedure. That may include temporarily stopping usage of certain medications or making other adjustments like not smoking for several days or avoiding alcohol for a day or two before the procedure.

What are the Potential Benefits Associated with the Procedure?

Cosmetic dentists like to set reasonable expectations for their patients. That’s why a reputable dentist will go over what the procedure will do for you. Today, it’s possible to use software to create simulations that provide an idea of how the procedure will affect your smile and improve your teeth in general. A dentist who insists on pointing out the benefits is one who wants to ensure you understand what life will be like once the work is done.

What Risks are Involved With the Procedure?

Even as your local cosmetic dentist points out the benefits, a true professional will point out potential risks. That includes risks that exist after the procedure as well as while the work is underway. Along with making sure you understand what could happen, the dentist will also talk with you about the precautions that are taken to minimize the risks. Along with helping you be more comfortable while the work is underway, those precautions can keep your recuperative period free of any complications.

What’s the Average Recovery Time?

It’s not unusual for patients to ask Mississauga cosmetic dentists how long it will take to recover from the procedure. Depending on what type of work you are having done, it may be possible to resume your regular routine in a matter of hours. At other times, it may take longer. The dentist will provide a time line based on your general health, the type of procedure you are undergoing, and how well you are expected to do during the procedure.

How Much Will the Procedure Cost?

Not all forms of cosmetic dentistry are covered by insurance providers. It may be necessary to pay for the procedure out of your own pocket. The dentist can help you get an idea of what the costs will be. This allows you to arrange financing, transfer funds out of interest bearing accounts to cover the cost, or make whatever other arrangements are necessary.

Remember that some cosmetic dental clinics work with partners who can provide financing. Take the time to learn more about that option before you begin arranging your finances through another source. Depending on what type of program the partner offers, it may be more cost-effective and easier to repay than pursuing those other options.

The right type of cosmetic dental work can make a positive change in your life. Along with an improved appearance, many cosmetic procedures also protect the teeth from further damage and eliminate pain you’ve been feeling every time you attempt to chew food. Choose the procedure and the dental professional wisely, and the benefits will last for a number of years.